Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa arrives in Washington to meet President Trump

This Monday, President Donald Trump welcomed Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to the White House, marking the first official visit by a Syrian head of state to the U.S. since Syria gained independence from France in 1946, according to the Associated Press.

White House officials said the visit is part of Trump’s broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, as the two leaders are expected to discuss Syria’s role in the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State and possible future collaboration on security and reconstruction in the region.

The visit became possible after the United Nations Security Council voted to lift sanctions on al-Sharaa and his officials. However, a full removal of international restrictions on Syria would require action from the U.S. Congress. Experts argue that temporary measures to ease sanctions would offer limited help, as international investors need a clear understanding of both global and U.S. positions on the country’s future.

Meanwhile, many Alawites — the sect of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad — and Syrian Christians remain fearful amid a wave of violence and revenge attacks. This situation contrasts sharply with the optimism many felt a year ago, when hopes were high that the new government would bring peace and stability to the war-torn nation.

Although al-Sharaa’s forces have been working to restore order, many non-Sunni Syrians accuse the current government of not doing enough to protect them. President Trump, however, said that al-Sharaa is «doing a very good job so far.»